Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool was a joyous occasion for the Red Devils, particularly for head coach Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim needed a statement victory as Manchester United head coach, and he got one against Liverpool.
Amorim got a lot right during United’s 2-1 win, but there was one decision he made during the game that has drawn a little criticism.
After Amad received a harsh yellow card midway through the second half, Amorim substituted him, keen to take no chances with United leading at the time.
Amad harshly substituted
Ruben Amorim did not want to run the risk of United being reduced to 10 men if Amad picked up a second yellow card.
However, former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe believes Ruben Amorim should have still kept faith with Amad.
Sharpe told MUTV: “I was very surprised Amad got brought off to be fair. I thought he was playing really well.
“Defensively he was looking after Gakpo, going forward he was a threat.
“I think it’s a bit harsh bringing someone off just because they are on a booking.
“You obviously don’t want to lose him, but you’ve got to put a bit of trust in him not to get booked again.
“He was playing really well, I’d have bought Dalot off before I bought Amad off, it was a shame.”
Amad provided his first assist of the season when he set up Bryan Mbeumo’s opener, scored after just 62 seconds.
“It was a great ball and a great finish by Mbeumo.”
Amorim right not to take risks
Individually it is fair to say that not taking off Amad was harsh on him. The yellow card he picked up seemed excessive too. He was booked for a follow-through after a successful slide tackle.
However, Manchester United won the game, the club’s first victory at Anfield since 2016. So you cannot argue that Amorim was wrong.
United have been on the wrong end of this before. Fans may recall how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer declined to substitute Fred in a home game with Paris Saint-Germain after he was booked.
Fred picked up another yellow card shortly after, and 10-man United went on to lose the game 3-1, with the score 1-1 at the time of his sending off.
More recently, Casemiro was sent off against Chelsea after picking up two yellow cards.
With Liverpool leaning into an all-out attacking mindset, United could not afford for a harsh refereeing decision to influence the game.
Harsh on Amad? Yes. But it was still the correct call.
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